Hutchison and Rosowsky make top 16

21st May 2012

21st May 2012
The 18-20 May 2012 was a weekend of Far East action for the Women’s Sabreurs and Men’s and Women’s Foilists on the international senior circuit, with events taking place in China and Korea. The Women's Epeeists were in Havana, Cuba for a Grand Prix event.

Men’s Foil World Cup – Seoul
The weekend’s action began in Seoul with the Men’s Foil World Cup. An entry of 139 fencers started, including ten from Great Britain. All fencers progressed through the poules – Cook, Davis, Halsted, Jefferies, Kenber, Mepstead, Peggs, Rosowsky and Tofalides. Kruse had a bye straight to the round of 64 courtesy of his world ranking. All fencers automatically progressed to the 2nd preliminary knockout apart from Rosowsky and Peggs who had to beat Lalonde-Turbide (CAN) 15-6 and Bernatsev (RUS) 15-10 to get there.

In the round of 32 Rosowsky continued to impress, beating Hinterseer (AUT) 15-8 but went out in the following round 15-11 to Cherimisinov (RUS). The event was won by Cassara (ITA) who beat his compatriot Avola 15-9 in the final. The bronze medals went to Heo (KOR) and Imboden (USA).

In the team event the GB team consisting of Richard Kruse, James Davis, Husayn Rosowksy and Laurence Halsted, faced the world number 5 team Japan in the round of 16, beating them 45-35. Ukraine were next and they were dispatched 45-28 by the Brits. In the semi-final however Italy edged them out 45-40 and the team just missed out on the bronze medal as Germany narrowly beat them 45-41. The gold medal went to Italy who beat China 45-37.

Women’s Foil Grand Prix – Seoul
The women’s team joined the men in Korea for their Grand Prix event in Seoul. A team of five British ladies joined a field of 76 and had a tough time in the first round with only Troiano and Sheppard surviving the cut. In the round of 64 Troiano put up a good fight against a top 16 fencer in Jeon (KOR) but lost 13-8. Sheppard drew Golubiskyi (GER) and followed the strict tactical advice from her GB coach, Wojtkowiak, to beat her 3-2 in the priority minute. Her next opponent was Gruchala (POL), the eventually winner. Sheppard kept it close throughout but fell 10-5 on time. Gruchala (POL) beat Nam (KOR) 7-6 in a tight final with the bronze medals going to Errigo (ITA) and Guyart (FRA).

Women’s Sabre Grand Prix – Tianjin
Six British fencers made the long journey to China to join a field of 79 at the Grand Prix in Tianjin. A disappointing start from Kira Roberts and Angela Bilardi saw them cut after the first round of poules but Hutchison, Kempe, Nicoll and Williams all made it through to the round of 64.

Only Hutchison survived the next round though, with Kempe losing 15-8 to Yoon (KOR), Nicoll falling 15-9 to Shen (CHN) and Williams being knocked out 15-12 by Zhu (CHN). Hutchison’s good day continued as she beat Komashchuk (UKR) 15-9 to progress to the round of 16. There she faced Xia (CHN) and lost 15-9. The event was won by Zagunis (USA) who beat Socha (POL) 15-12 in the final. The bronze medals went to Kim (KOR) and Vougiouka (GRE).

Women’s Epee Grand Prix – Havana
The women’s Epeeists headed off to Cuba for their Grand Prix event in Havana. A team of just two British ladies joined a field of 85 and both fencers – Chang and C. Lawrence - came out of the poules winning three fights each. It is notable that Chang beat two World top 50 ranked fencers (Moellhausen (ITA) and Besbes (TUN) in this round).

Both British fencers qualified directly into the round of 64 but Chang fell 15-8 to World number 10, Choi (KOR) and Lawrence was defeated 15-9 to World number 21, Shutova (RUS).

The event was won by Maroiu (ROU) who beat Sozanska (GER) 15-9 for the Gold medal. The bronze medals were won by Fiamingo (ITA) and Heidemann (GER).

GB Individual placings: Lawrence 51st, Chang 57th.

There will be now be a short international World Cup or Grand Prix break.